Radioprotective effects of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger): past, present and future.

摘要

This review summarizes results related to the radioprotective properties of ginger and emphasizes aspects that warrant future research to establish its activity and utility as a radioprotective agent. Aspects considered include: ginger in traditional medicines; pharmacological properties; chemistry of ginger; ginger extract and its phytochemicals dehydrozingerone and zingerone protect against radiation sickness and mortality; behavioral radioprotection of ginger; protection of mouse intestine and hematopoietic systems by zingerone and dehydrozingerone; and mechanism of action (free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity, effect on antioxidant molecules, modulation of antioxidant enzymes, anti-inflammatory activity, inhibition of radiation-induced apoptosis, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, prevention of DNA clastogenesis, immunomodulatory activities, comparison with other dietary agents).